Aviator pilot sunglasses have been around for decades and are still the hottest style in fashion for men and women. With advances in aircraft development in the 1930s, the good news is modern airplanes fly faster and reach higher altitudes. The bad news is pilots return home with eyestrain due to a hostile glare in high elevation. Military airmen need high-performance eyewear to protect their eyes from intense sunlight and glare that flood in the airplane cockpit.
Made for Military
To respond to military demand, B&L developed the first aviator as an alternative to old-fashioned goggles to help pilots combat glare during flight. Since then, aviator shades became the main eyewear gear for pilots to protect the eyes against the dangers of sun rays and combat decreased visibility caused by the blinding glare during flights.
Aviator sunglasses were designed in slim metal frames and paired with teardrop-shaped lenses that block 85% visible light before reaching the eyes. The aviator lenses also have a curved shape that covers twice the size of the human eye help reduce the glare effect. Although being developed and marketed many years ago, they are still in hot fashion trends as day one and became a fashion staple for celebrities and fashion bloggers. In terms of fashion and popularity, they provide a manly look, best protection, and surpass other styles in fashion eyewear.
Aviator shades vary from frames to colors as well as materials. High tech lenses as polarized and mirrored lenses easily incorporate into the glasses to create a wide selection for various applications in reflective or harsh environments.
At the height of World War II, General MacArthur landed on a beach somewhere in the Philippines while wearing aviator sunglasses. This moment had been photographed and published in famous magazines in the world. Since then, the popularity and fame of these glasses quickly soared beyond America. Teardrop-shaped aviator sunglasses are the only style that never goes out of fashion.
Wearing any situation
They are versatile enough for you to wear them any season with multiple outfits on various summer activities. Whether you rock them with blue jeans to the crowded beaches or corporate attires to the wedding ceremony, these glasses are fashionably appropriate and look great on you from hot summer through cold winter.
Anybody can wear
Their neutral gender characteristic makes them become the most popular style in fashion eyewear for men and women. Aviator shades were originally made for men, but their frame has evolved through the years. Other eyewear companies have adopted the original design and developed various versions with masculine, neutral and feminine appeals. Men love to wear aviator with neutral colors and muted finishes while women prefer a bright and soft color like pink, rose, and pastel. Regardless of your lifestyle, age, gender, aviator sunglasses can complement everybody and various kinds of face shape.
Lens features
High-performance features like polarized and mirrored and gradient lenses easily integrate into the glasses to create a wide selection for various applications in reflective or harsh environments.
Polarized lenses cut glare to reduce eye strain and enhance visibility. This anti-glare feature makes aviator polarized sunglasses become the hottest style for men for outdoor activities like fishing, beach sport.
Mirrored lenses cut more visible light and offer a futuristic look. Aviator mirrored sunglasses have become one of the hottest trends that are ruling the street recently. With an eye-catching and youthful look, aviator mirrored shades are a preferred choice for selfie photography and become socially dominant on Facebook and Instagram.
Gradient lenses are darkest from the top to cut more visible light and lighter to the bottom to allow more light for reading, viewing. This benefit is convenient in driving because the top part shields your eyes from the sunlight while the bottom part lets the light come in for viewing.
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Huge selection
The original aviators had thin metal frames and teardrop lenses. But you can also find plastic frames with rectangular lenses, varying from color choices to lens options. Unlike the old times, now lens technology also contributes to a wide range of lens features to suit most lifestyles, from winter sports to beach activities. Sometimes people get confused as there are plenty of aviator styles exist on the market. However, they share the following common characteristics:
Thin metal frames are the most popular style. Plastic frames are also available but not giving an elegant look.
A metallic double bride with color finishes matching the frames.
Thin metal temples are dominant. You also can find a plastic version, but it is not popular. The curved ends usually hook behind the ears for a snug fit.
Teardrop or square lenses are slightly curved to provide extra protection from the sides. Lens widths are typically around 58 to 62 millimeters.
Flexible nose pads are adjustable.
Common lens features are tinted, polarized, mirrored, and gradient lenses.
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